Last updated 19:47, Thursday, 25 September 2008

GOVERNMENT minister Hilary Benn has urged Cumbrian farmers to vaccinate against the killer animal disease bluetongue.

The Environment Secretary said he was shocked that many county farmers were failing to vaccinate animals.

Mr Benn, who was in Cumbria to address the National Parks conference held at Low Wood, Ambleside, said: “It is rather hard to see why farmers would not want to take the step that is now available.

“I hope farmers will vaccinate because that is the very clear message from the Government and the industry. Farmers have got to take responsibility for their livestock.”

It is understood that some farmers have not vaccinated their sheep and cattle against bluetongue partly due to the cost and partly because this year’s infection period is almost over.

Mr Benn also talked about the county’s devastating harvest this summer.

He added: “It remains to be seen to what extent farmers can get the rest of the harvest in. It is very difficult because feed prices have gone up.”

He addressed 200 conference delegates and spoke of the importance of the uplands to the farming industry.